Pesticide Registration for Farmers?

Question

I am writing a research paper about conventional and organic farming and heard that conventional farmers have to go through training to get registered and licensed to use pesticides. Could someone give me more information about this? Websites? Pamphlets? Names for Contact? Any serious information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Burgundy

Answer 1

Ontario has standards that are largely consistent with many US states. Our testing procedures are largely specified by the product liability agencies within the companies providing the pesticides.

The objective is to protect the companies from lawsuits that would arise from overuse or ineffective use of pesticides.  Ineffective use would be applying an adequate level of pesticide at the wrong time to get effect, or applying too little of a product to get effect, perhaps assisting to develop resistance to the product.

Knowing what conditions will give good effect is of course important to allowing minimal use of  pesticide products while still getting good effect.

People who do application for hire of course are often under pressure from farmers who have a problem, but where conditions are not opportune for effective application. This rarely induces a custom applicator to apply knowing it would not be effective or might run off into a stream, because that would cause license revocation.

Answer 2

This website will contain a lot of the information you need: http://michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125-156...

In Michigan, farmers are required to pass two tests to become certified to apply Restricted Use Pesticides. Anybody can purchase and use General Use Pesticides (like RoundUp or Raid) on their own property. Resticted Use Pesticides have potential to be either poisonous, a risk to wildlife, or a risk to groundwater. So, farmers must demonstrate a level of understanding of how to use them, by taking a test and becoming certified. The certification is valid for three years. After three years, the farmer can either take the test again, or keep up on continuing education credits to retain certification.

Answer 3

I live in Plano, TX and the only farmers around here are has been cotton farmers.  I saw about 12 horses today in a grass farm while on the city road, so I would have to say flies and worms and exhaust fumes are bad for them.  You don't have to be a farmer to know that.  I think Mr. Jim Carter was a farmer and a Democrat.  So I guess you do need to be registered to vote.  Barack Burgundy Obama...that has a nice ring to it!  I have a website for you Ms. Burgundy:  [e-mail]

Answer 4

I'm not exactly sure about other states, but in MO and KS you have to go thru an 8 hr training course and pass 2 tests to get your Applicator License.  This course can be done at your local fertilizer store.

Answer 5

I don't know where you are, but in Mississippi farmers have to go through a pesticide certification program.  My husband is the county agent for the Mississippi State Extension Service and he conducts the certification programs in our county.  If you are in the U.S., contact your local extension office and they should be able to help you out.